“With Liberty and Justice for ALL”

It seems ironic that a country founded upon hope for a future free of tyranny for people of all nations has since written the history that it has, especially in regards to those who came before us.

Before the explorers and colonists arrived, there were a multitude of Nations that coexisted — some peacefully and others not so much.  But the fact remains that they DID exist (and still do although in much more meager numbers).  Risen up from the dust, they found a way of life that worked and it worked with an elegance and a wisdom that we still today lack.

While the 4th of July is a day that inspires pride in even the most lackluster Americans, I warn ourselves not to let our own pompous attitudes shadow our guilt for atrocities that occurred on our behalf.  We may feel that we are not the ones to blame — the wrongs committed happened so long ego that we are separated from the errors of our forbears.

However, no man is excused from his current actions.  Let us provide understanding and respect to those Native Americans we have so long held under our boots.  It has been written that “the Nation’s hoop is broken and scattered,” well it is up to us to rebuild it.

To truly honor the inspiration behind today, the goal of freedom for all mankind, we cannot begin on some distant shore, we must start here within our own borders.  Live your life by the pledge that you can so readily recall — “with Liberty and Justice for ALL.”